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Black Pepper Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

Black Pepper Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

Quick, flavorful Black Pepper Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry combines tender thinly sliced beef with crunchy cabbage in a bold black pepper sauce, delivering a savory, aromatic dish that’s perfect for fast weeknight dinners and meal prep. This easy-to-make stir fry balances spicy, sweet, and umami notes using simple pantry ingredients while providing a nutritious, filling meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Marinade

  • 8 oz thinly sliced beef (sirloin or flank steak)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tsp vegetable oil (for marinade)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 3 cups chopped green or Napa cabbage
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 green onions, sliced

For Stir-Frying

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Slice the beef thinly across the grain to ensure tenderness. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the green onions. Have all ingredients ready and within reach for a smooth cooking process.
  2. Marinate the Beef: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, freshly cracked black pepper, and a splash of vegetable oil. Toss the beef slices in this mixture and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize.
  3. Cook the Beef: Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Once hot, add the beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
  4. Sauté Aromatics and Cabbage: In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, stirring quickly until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the cabbage and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly softened but still retaining crunch.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the beef to the pan, add extra freshly cracked black pepper to taste, and stir together for another 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and remove from heat.

Notes

  • Use high heat for stir-frying to achieve quick cooking and keep vegetables crisp.
  • Slice the beef thinly for faster cooking and tenderness.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook beef in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing.
  • Grind black pepper fresh for the most intense flavor and aroma.
  • Add soy sauce and black pepper gradually to control seasoning.
  • Optional chili flakes can be added for extra spiciness according to preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: black pepper beef, cabbage stir fry, quick beef stir fry, easy weeknight dinner, Asian beef recipe, healthy stir fry, gluten free stir fry